It’s mid-March and I am finding quotes, cards and info-graphics about luck and good fortune popping up in my newsfeeds and inboxes almost daily. All understandable with St. Patricks Day imminently approaching, but it made me stop and think about the meaning of luck–or rather, it’s meaning to me. Some believe we make our own luck, others believe it’s being at the right place at the right time. The Roman philosopher Seneca said that luck was a combination of preparation and opportunity. I think it’s a bit different–although who am I to argue with a philosopher–I think luck has two primary vectors to those that believe in it:
1. How we view ourselves
2. How we view the world around us

Let’s take #2 first. The conditions of my life are pretty much static, sure sometimes new variables or elements are introduced, but for the most part the life I am living is sublimely the same (ex: my husband and children, our home, my job, our routine). When I am feeling the most fortunate, grateful or “lucky” those conditions haven’t necessarily changed all that much, if at all, I’ve just chosen to be open to and look for the opportunities, even when difficult, challenging or just plain different factors surface. If I’m open to possibilities–even (or maybe it’s especially) the ones I cannot even begin to fathom–that can change my entire perspective on a situation and usually I will feel gratitude (or lucky), as a result.

The first one is more personal. I believe in objects of meaning–even if it’s more placebo than anything. For example, I have a watch from my Dad, and whenever I had a big work presentation or meeting, I would wear it–just to channel his showmanship and courage, or even just to feel his presence. Others use medallions, clothing or even routines. After a while of wearing that watch for a number of events and such (and all went well), one time I forgot and didn’t realize it until about five minutes before I was set to do “my thing.” Anxious for a moment, I had no choice but to power through, and when that went well I realized that, although a precious reminder from my late father, it held only as much “power” as I gave it. I knew that logically, but now it was an irrefutable fact.

That said, this is a site about gifting and it’s been a while since I posted a list, so here are some ideas that encourage feelings of luck and gratitude–my wish for you and your recipient is that what comes shortly thereafter is the realization that, although a thoughtful and lovely keepsake, it is not necessary to achieve, well… anything.

Wow this hit home Juliana. Me too… since my Dad’s passing I have been wearing or carrying his ring, and keep his tie-clip (he always wore one) clipped to my jeans. For me it’s about honoring his memory, and feeling him close to me. He always wanted to hear me speak, but circumstance never allowed, now he is with me there always. Thanks for sharing.

Xoxo thank you so much, Ted for your comments. My Dad passed before I was married or had kids so there are many things we did not get to do. I always feel closest to him when I am doing the things I think he would have wanted to share with me or be a part of–activities and milestones for my kids, family celebrations, even my work life (he would have given me advice whether I wanted it or not..lol). That makes me smile — sometimes through a few tears.